“It’s time for Pennsylvania to pass its own marriage equality legislation, allowing gay couples to legally wed and to pass legislation that bans discrimination against members of the LGBT community,” he said, adding an early campaign jab. “Gov. [Tom] Corbett opposes this basic human right. I would immediately ask the General Assembly to pass marriage equality and anti-discrimination legislation.”

Katie McGinty, another former state environmental protection secretary, celebrated the historic nature of the ruling.

“Today is an historic moment that will long be remembered as the day when fairness and compassion won,” McGinty said in a news release that echoed Hanger's call for similar action in Pennsylvania.

“The Supreme Court’s rulings on marriage equality are huge victories for all Americans who believe in equality under the law,” the Chester County resident said. “But too many Pennsylvanians are still disadvantaged within their own home state. Now is the time for commonwealth to follow suit and pass legislation affirming marriage equality for all Pennsylvanians. ”

Tom Wolf, a former state revenue secretary, said the decision reaffirmed values of fairness and tolerance.

“Two loving citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be allowed to enter into a marriage and take part in the benefits that come with it,” said Wolf, a York County businessman. “Now, Pennsylvania must pass marriage equality; it's time we had equal rights for all under the law.”

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